When was the last time you were faced with a difficult situation or circumstance at home or at work and the first thing that came to mind was “how can I fix this”? If you’re like most people, this has probably occurred more than once just in the past week. In fact, being a great problem-solver is encouraged, valued and what we are taught to do. Honestly, this is one of my own strengths and I have loved the satisfaction of “solving problems”. Yet, as discussed in previous posts, fixing the problem doesn’t tend to work for the long term. Often, the problem will arise again somewhere down the road. What if, as Alan Seale states, “a problem is not something to be solved; it’s a message to be listened to”?

Our role then would be to learn how to hear the message, discover what wants to unfold, and work in partnership with that potential to create something new. Quantum physics tells us that, at the most basic level, everything is made up of particles of moving, vibrating energy. Consequently, there is an energy that exists within any situation or circumstance. One of the fundamental principles of Transformational Presence is that “energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed”. Solving the problem typically doesn’t transform the energy and this is the reason that the same or similar problem reemerges.

When we are faced with what we would call a problem, we tend to “push against” it and often end up making it worse. When we “push against”, we focus on what’s not working and give more power to it, causing it to persist. If we accept whatever situation we are faced with and flow with it, rather than push against it, things start to get easier. “Flowing with” is about focusing on what wants to happen or emerge from the circumstance. It doesn’t mean we have to like what’s going on. It also doesn’t mean that we are acquiescing to it. We are just acknowledging what is happening right now and partnering with what wants to emerge to discover our next steps. Using the Three Fundamental Questions from Part One of this series will help you identify those next steps.

Taking this perspective is something that requires practice and continual reminders. I find that “pushing against” a circumstance is often my initial reaction. Yet, continued practice, allows me to step back, “flow with” and respond.

If you’d like to explore this concept of “push against/flow with” in relation to a challenge you are facing, please click below and I will walk you through an exercise so that you can experience it for yourself. I invite you to share what you discover in the Comments section.

Derived from: Seale, Alan. Transformational Presence: How To Make a Difference In a Rapidly Changing World and Transformational Presence: The Tools, Skills and Frameworks. Topsfield, MA: The Center for Transformational Presence, 2017. Used with permission.

About the Author: Sherry Dutra is a Talent Development and Career Coach and Facilitator who believes we each have far more potential than we typically tap in to. She helps you learn how to step into your full potential so you can create consistent, optimal performance for yourself and your team with less stress and more enjoyment. If you would like to uncover and address hidden challenges that may be sabotaging your success, leverage your strengths, and accelerate your progress toward the results you desire, contact Sherry for a complimentary consultation.

Have you ever noticed that different leaders can experience the same situation, at the same time, and react or respond in completely different ways? Ever wonder why? It all has to do with our core energy. Bruce D Schneider, Founder of the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), defines core energy as “the energy that is at the core of thoughts, emotions, and actions that relate to how people see themselves, those around them, and the world itself.”

Recognizing the impact of different levels of energy allows us to make conscious choices in the moment that support or influence our performance in every area of our lives. Let’s use a scenario, which most of us have probably experienced at some point in our lives, and see how energy plays out and impacts performance.

Scenario

You are walking down the corridor at work, on your way to a meeting, and you see your boss coming your way. As he/she approaches, you smile and cheerfully say “good morning”. Your boss doesn’t acknowledge you and continues walking right past you.

What’s the first thing that runs through your mind? As you read the potential reactions/responses at each level, see which perspective sounds most like you.

Perspectives

Level 1: “My boss never pays any attention to me. I can’t do anything right. I don’t think I’m ever going to get ahead. Maybe I should just look for another job.”

Level 2: “ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!! I go out of my way to say “good morning” and she completely ignores me!”

Level 4: “Wow, that’s so unlike her. I hope she’s okay. I’ll check in with her after my meeting and see what’s going on and if there’s any way I can help.”

Level 5: “He must be totally focused on that new deal we’re going after. I’ll swing by later and offer some of my ideas on how we can collaborate with this potential partner. I know we can make this a huge win for both of our firms!”

So, which level did you resonate with the most? Can you feel that what happens next will be completely different given the perspective this leader takes?

Shifting Your Energy

Our level of energy can bounce around all day long as we experience a variety of situations. At what level does your reaction tend to fall? In what type of circumstances do you experience Level 1, 2, 3 energy, etc? How empowering would it be to know that you can learn to recognize different levels of energy in yourself and others and choose the response that will support you most effectively in any given situation?

When your energy is working for you and you can tap more frequently into higher levels of energy, you can expect to experience…

Inner certainty

A sense of calm amidst change and chaos

Ease in making and committing to choices

A broader perspective

Being more present in the moment

Taking the initiative and fully engaging in every aspect of your life.

Working together, you’ll discover the nature of the energy of performance and be able to take steps to proactively create consistent experiences and make quick adjustments in the moment if things go awry.

If you’re intrigued and would like to discuss how this process can help you create your personal leadership formula for success, please contact Sherry for a complimentary consultation.

About the Author: Sherry Dutra is a Talent Development and Career Coach and Facilitator who helps you create consistent, optimal performance using all your capacity and potential in both your work and life. If you would like to uncover and address hidden challenges that may be sabotaging your success, leverage your strengths, and accelerate your progress toward the results you desire, contact Sherry for a complimentary consultation.